My Mommy’s Big Girl Denim Pants Card

It's been three years today that My Mommy passed away…wow, I still can't believe that! 

My Mommy was a great friend, motivator, and inspiration to me (and she still is!).  It's because of her that I've had the tremendous opportunity and courage to make some big changes in my life!  One of the biggest has been my decision to do Stampin' Up! full-time. Even the name of my business, Too Cool Stamping, was inspired by her always exclaiming that my stamped creations were, "Too Cool!"  I can still hear her voice saying that…

Today, I'd like to share a very special card that I made for My Mommy.  It helps to know that one of our favorite quotes that we always said to each other was, "It's time to put your Big Girl Pants on!"  In the last few years of her life, during her struggles with breast cancer, she certainly had plenty of opportunity to wear those Big Girl Pants.  And, she always wore them well, accessorized with a smile and positive attitude!

I created this card a couple weeks before her passing.  We all thought she was doing really well, recovering from a mastectomy down in Florida, when she suddenly took a turn for the worse.  The cancer had spread to her lungs and she went downhill fast.  I was able to be with her when she died, but I never had a chance to give her this card.

BIGgirl Denim Pants Card

I love this card!  Doesn't it look like real denim jeans?  (If only I could fit into THAT size!) 

I used a little bit of decorative paper on the top panel to replicate patterned cloth (very 90s, but I enjoy a bit of retro!).  The pocket was cut freehand; I just got a pair of Levis and tried to cut my card stock with a similar angle. 

I used the flourish from the Priceless Stamp set on the pocket, heat embossed with White Embossing Powder.  I love the Rhinestone Brad embellishments!  It looks Bedazzled!  (Am I showing my age?)

I created a faux double-stitched border with the Paper Piercing Tool and a gold gel pen.  The rivets are antique brass eyelets from the Metallic Eyelets package.  And, do you like my little red "BIGgirl" tag?!  I found those words in the retired Everyday Flexible Phrases set.  Perfect!

Even the cuff looks like real jeans!  Look at the worn edge I created with the Distressing Tool!  Fantastic!

Now, let's see how to make that awesome jeans texture!

Denim Jeans Background Technique

Creating the denim look is super easy!  You just need Bashful Blue card stock and a Night of Navy Classic Ink Pad. Use the direct-to-paper method of rubbing ink onto the card stock, first in one direction and then the other. 

If you want more lines in your pattern, use the edge of your ink pad, like I did in the first photo.  The top right of the last photo shows what the finished effect looks like after going in both directions. 

Play around with other denim colors..

I used Basic Gray ink on Bashful Blue card stock for black denim.  The second example uses retired Bordering Blue ink on Bashful Blue card stock.  Most of the current Stampin' Up! blue inks are too bright to create many shades that look authentic.  But, you could also try other colors of denim (more retro!).  Try using Sahara Sand as a base card stock for tans, greens, purples and more!  Mr. Green Jeans would be so proud!

Back Pocket Mini Card

I added a mini card in the back pocket, too!  The "journey" image is from the Define Your Life set.  Wow!  At the time, it was a very fitting word for My Mommy…now, it's become a very fitting word for me!

And, here is the inside of the card…

Obviously, this card has a special, emotional memory attached to it making it easily one of my favorites! And, I think it's definitely a card that My Mommy would've have thought was Too Cool! 

Thanks, Mommy, for showing me how to wear my "BIGgirl" Pants!  Love and miss you.

Angie

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